Club Doncaster Sports College Women’s CEFA captain delighted with first season

Club Doncaster Sports College women’s captain Chaneice Howson has expressed her delight at the team competing in the EFL Community and Education Football Alliance (CEFA) league for the first time.

Introduced in 2018, the CEFA League is a football competition run for Club Community Organisations and is eligible to both young men and women who are enrolled on a post-16 education course with their Club Community Organisation (CCO), offering students competitive playing opportunities in a league that is professionally governed by the EFL.

Through the competition, students are able to achieve their education goals, whilst playing competitive football for their local club against teams representing Premier League and EFL Clubs across the country.

Chaneice Howson is currently studying the first year of her BA Hons Physical Education and Sports Coaching degree at Club Doncaster Sports College, having started on a level three BTEC sport course in 2017.

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A player from day one, Chaneice has seen the Women’s Academy at Club Doncaster Sports College gradually grow in numbers and go from strength to strength, enough to enable them to submit a womens swuad for the CEFA league this season.

As captain, Chaneice wears the Doncaster Rovers badge with pride, leading her team out each week to face opponents in the Women's North Central League.

“When I first started at the college, I was a very shy character and I didn’t have much confidence," she says in an interview with Club Doncaster Sports College.

"Being able to play for the academy allowed me to come out of my shell and be more confident on and off the pitch.

“This year I was extremely grateful to be chosen as captain, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I really enjoyed seeing the team progressing collectively, and I also enjoyed watching people achieve individual success.”

Of course, being professionally governed by the EFL has its benefits. Teams travel to play fixtures at professional stadiums, receive a trophy at the end of the season and get a glimpse of how the professionals live, all whilst receiving an education.

Central defender Chaneice believes that her team has put in a performance to be proud of during their first EFL season, with the team currently occupying fifth place.

“We have experienced players, as well as girls that either play a different sport or didn’t play football at all," she explains.

"So it hasn’t been easy for some of the girls, but they have been exceptional and we've done well so far."

Chaneice also gave a special thanks to Academy Coach Eric Randerson, who she believes has been crucial to the currenet group of players.

Speaking about his captain, Randerson said: “Chaneice has always been at the forefront of supporting and developing women’s’ football at Club Doncaster Sports College. We now have a full squad of girls who attend regular training sessions and matchdays.

“Chaneice has proudly led the team by example and the squad have developed their game and show a great attitude on and off the pitch.

“It’s an exciting time for all involved and we’re looking forward to seeing the side progress in the future.”

Competition success across the board has seen an increase in teams registered for the 2019/20 season, with almost 100 teams now competing across 12 different divisions.

With the introduction of the CEFA league, opportunities are endless for a vast amount of youngsters who are being given a platform to perform both in the classroom and on the pitch.

Please contact cefa@efl.com for more information.

CEFA